If clients book through your DMs, the deposit is usually the first thing to slip. You're mid-appointment, the chat moves on, and a five-hour slot is being held by someone who hasn't committed to it.
A simple routine fixes most of that. Use the same steps and wording every time, so asking for a deposit becomes a normal part of booking.
How to take a deposit in a DM
- Agree the booking first. Confirm the service, the length, the price and the time before you mention money. A deposit makes sense once the client knows what it's for.
- Send the payment link straight away. Most DM deposits are paid through a link or a bank transfer, such as Stripe, PayPal, Revolut or SumUp. Send it while the client is still in the chat.
- Give a clear deadline. Say how long you'll hold the slot. Two hours suits most bookings. Make it shorter for a slot later the same day.
- Release the slot if the deadline passes. Send one friendly nudge first. If the deposit still hasn't arrived, offer the time to someone else.
- Confirm in writing. When the money lands, send the date, time, service, deposit paid and balance due. That message is your record if there's a dispute later.
- Remind them before the appointment. A message the day before and another two hours before gives clients a chance to confirm or cancel while you can still fill the slot.
What to say when you ask
Keep it short and state it as how your salon works. There's no need to apologise or explain at length.
- Saturday at 9 works for me!
- Lovely. A deposit holds your slot and comes off the final price. Here's the link. I can hold 9:00 for two hours.
- Just paid
- Got it, thank you! You're booked for Saturday at 9:00. We'll remind you the day before.
Write a deposit policy you can copy and paste
Terms are easier to stand by when clients saw them before paying. Pin your policy to your Instagram highlights, add it to your WhatsApp Business profile, and include it with the payment link. Adapt this to suit your salon:
A deposit of [amount] holds your appointment and comes off your final price. Please pay within [2 hours], or the slot will be released. You can change or cancel up to [48 hours] before your appointment and we'll move your deposit. After that, or if you don't arrive, the deposit is not refunded.
Rules on deposits and refunds vary by country, so check that the wording fits where you work.
Mistakes that lose bookings
- Asking too late. If the link arrives hours later, the client may already have booked elsewhere.
- Holding slots with no deadline. “Pay when you can” keeps the slot blocked and leaves you chasing.
- Hiding the terms. A client who first hears the policy after missing an appointment is likely to dispute it.
- Applying the policy unevenly. Decide who you'll make exceptions for, then stick to it.
Questions salon owners ask
How much should a salon deposit be?
A good starting point is about a quarter of the price, and up to half for long or expensive appointments such as braids, colour or a full lash set. Choose a figure that would make a client think twice about not turning up, without putting off a new client.
Should the deposit come off the final price?
Usually, yes. It's easier to accept when it's part of the price rather than an extra fee. Say so in your first deposit message and show the balance due in the confirmation.
What if a client won't pay a deposit?
Explain that the slot is reserved for them alone, then let them decide. You can also make exceptions for regulars and keep deposits for new clients, long appointments and anyone who has missed a booking before.
Can I keep a deposit if a client doesn't show up?
That depends on your policy and on local consumer law, so tell clients the terms before they pay and keep a copy of what they agreed to. If you're unsure about your wording, ask a local adviser.